GENERAL

What types of events do you host?

What is your maximum capacity?

This will vary by event, and we strongly suggest discussing your proposed layout with us, to determine what will work best. For example, we can accommodate 180 guests for a seated dinner in our South studio, and with cocktail area in North. See also our sample floor plans.

What are my options for room setups in the venue?

We host nearly every type of setup, please see our FLOOR PLAN SECTION, or contact us for further information.

What furnishings do you provide?

We have some optional lounge furniture on premises (see below). Dinner tables, chairs, etc. are typically arranged through your planner, although you can rent directly from rental vendors as well (they do not set up your rentals, they only provide delivery and pickup): OPTIONAL FURNISHINGS (.PDF)

Do you provide tables, chairs, linens, catering, lighting, A/V etc.?

We are a blank event space, and provide only some furniture, lighting and A/V in-house (please inquire). We also work with a number of preferred vendors who can provide complete service packages. We can furnish a preferred vendor list upon your site visit.

What is the average time frame we have to work with?

Typically you should allow about 3-5 hours for load ins and set up, 3-5 hours for your event, and 1-2 hours for breakdown and load out (these are general guidelines, and will likely vary depending on type of set up).

How do the North and South studios connect?

The studios are adjacent to each other, and can be separated by automatic drop-down garage-style doors.

Do you have floor plans?

What staffing do you provide?

For every event there are at least two staff members: venue manager, freight operator and cleaning crew. The venue manager will aid the guests and vendors, overseeing that the space is kept safe and restrooms are stocked, maintaining temperature control, and assisting with car service if requested. The venue manager can also sign for deliveries to the venue on the day of your event. The freight operator will oversee the timely load-ins and load-outs of furniture and vendors. A lobby attendant can be provided through SWS (fee’s will apply). The lobby attendant will greet guests and direct them to the 10th floor. The staff are included with your rental fee. Depending on type of event, security personnel may be mandatory, and in this case we will require that you use our in house services (fees will apply). You also have the option of renting additional staffing through us; e.g. restroom attendants, coat check personnel, etc.

Is there parking in the area?

There are several 24 hour parking lots within a block radius of our building (seeAbout page, and click "Parking" under the Useful information banner). If you’re not traveling by taxi or hotel van, you may take the A, C or E subway train to 34th Street, just a 5-7 minute walk. Valet parking can be arranged, upon request.

How do I set up a visit to come see the space?

Site visits are available Monday through Friday between 10am and 6pm by appointment only. Please call us at (212) 330-9900 x 3 to schedule, or email us at BOOKINGS@SunWestStudios.com.

Please note, we do not show the venue on weekends, because of event conflicts. We are occasionally able to accommodate after hours visits during weekdays, please inquire.

Do you require insurance?

Like other event spaces, we require a certificate of insurance covering general liability. If alcohol will be served we also require the serving party to furnish a certificate of liquor liability. Often you can be added to your planners existing policy, or otherwise insurance can be acquired online. We recommend either of these companies in no particular order: TheEventHelper.com.

BOOKINGS

HOW DO I BOOK A DATE AT SUN WEST?

The best ways for you to reach out to us are:1. Fill out our EVENT REQUEST FORM on our website (this is the quickest way of getting a response).2. Email us at Info@SunWestStudios.com3. Call us at (212) 330-9900 x3

DO YOU HAVE TO BOOK THE ENTIRE SPACE FOR AN EVENT?

For weekday events M-F, NO. For weekend events, YES.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE CAN WE RESERVE YOUR LOCATION FOR AN EVENT?

You can make your reservation up 18 months in advance.

AMENITIES

IS THERE A DRESSING ROOM OR BRIDAL SUITE?

There is an enclave by the front office, which can be used for this purpose. Access is available to either studio. Please see our FLOOR PLAN.

IS THERE A COAT CHECK AREA?

Yes, either the area in front of the office, or, if using this area for another purpose, you can partition off space in either of our studios (coat check personnel are available upon request, fees will apply, please inquire).

HOW MANY RESTROOMS DO YOU HAVE?

We have separate commercial size restrooms for Women and Men, with 4 private toilets each. The women's restroom also features a shower.

HOW HIGH ARE YOUR CEILINGS?

Between 12.5ft and 16ft high in most areas.

DOES THE SPACE PROVIDE WHEELCHAIR ACCESS?

Yes, via a ramp at the building entrance, and elevator access via the lobby. The venue is on a single floor, minus outdoor terrace which is separated by steps.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED?

Yes, on our outdoor terrace adjacent to the North Studio. No smoking is allowed indoors.

DO YOU HAVE A VIEW OF THE HIGHLINE?

Yes, one of the best in the city. We are one block away from the Northern entrance. Visit their website HERE for more information.

DO YOU HAVE A DANCE FLOOR OR DOES ONE NEED TO BE SET UP?

We have a Cyclorama cove in our south studio (24’Dx22’Wx13’H) that makes for an ideal, built in dance floor.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE KITCHEN?

Our gourmet kitchen (300 sq. ft. w. prep area) includes a full size refrigerator, electric stove/double oven, microwave, dishwasher and freezer. The prep area is adjacent to the kitchen. Please note, we do not include cookware or dishware. Click HERE to go to our kitchen page.

WHAT KIND OF LIGHTING IS INCLUDED WITH THE SPACE?

We are a full daylight studio 16’ loft windows. Artificial dimmable ceiling lights are installed, and outside lighting setups are possible. Votive candles are another elegant way to accent the space. For additional lighting, please inquire.

DOES YOUR SPACE HAVE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEAT?

Yes, we have central air conditioning and heat (60,000 BTU HVAC that can cool or heat the space in 10 minutes).

WHAT A/V SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?

We have an in-house projector and stereo system (iPod hook up only), available for rental (dj’s, bands, etc. must bring their own equipment). Additional AV equipment can be provided through one of our preferred vendors (please inquire for a custom quote).

FOR WEDDINGS, WHERE DOES THE CEREMONY TAKE PLACE?

The ceremony can be held in either studio, but it is most popular to use South studio for ceremony, switch to North Studio for cocktails while dinner tables are set up in South studio. Then the entire venue is opened up for cocktails, dinner and dancing.

BUILDING INFORMATION

WHERE IS THE BUILDING ENTRANCE LOCATED FOR SITE VISITS AND GUESTS?

The entrance is at 450 W. 31st street between 10th Avenue & Dyer Avenue, on the south side just past Dyer Ave. if you’re walking West. Guest entrance is at the end of the ramp.

WHERE DO VENDORS AND DROP-OFFS ENTER THE BUILDING?

Our freight entrance is located just to the right of the building’s guest entrance, on 31st street between 10th Avenue & Dyer Avenue, on the south side just past Dyer St. if you’re walking West. Any deliveries or drop offs must be brought through the freight entrance. Please call us to inquire about drop offs.

WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE FREIGHT ELEVATOR?

Our freight elevator (located approximately 50ft past the lobby entrance, behind the brown metal gates) is 7'high x 8' wide x 10' deep. There is a loading dock with ramp to the left hand side. The freight Clearance is 7’.

LOGISTICS

DO YOU PROVIDE SETUP AND BREAK DOWN?

We do not provide this, but your caterer and/or event planner should provide staff that will handle set up and breakdown. If you are not working with an event planner or coordinator, you will be responsible for doing this.

HOW LONG BEFORE THE EVENT CAN YOU ARRIVE AND SET UP?

Load-ins must occur within your ten (10) hours, unless otherwise agreed to in writing. If you have any special requirements, please inquire.

DOES EVERYTHING HAVE TO BE OUT OF THE SPACE DAY-OF THE EVENT?

Yes, everything (all furniture, personal items, trash etc.) must be loaded out during the ten (10) hours of your event, as we need to have the space cleaned and ready for the following day's event. No exceptions. We can sometimes accommodate small personal items if our schedule allows it. Please inquire in advance.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING THE SPACE?

We ask that your staff (or caterer if you have one) returns the space to a broom clean condition and takes all trash down to the loading dock via the freight elevator (this is required). One of our floor managers will do a walk-through at the end of the night to check that things are in proper order. Our night crew will then come in for a final cleaning.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE THE SPACE FOR?

CAN I PURCHASE EXTRA TIME FOR MY EVENT?

Yes, please inquire.

VENDORS

MAY I BRING OUTSIDE VENDORS?

Yes, one of the key benefits of working with our venue, is that you can bring any vendors you like, and mix and match to your preferences. We can also recommend one of our preferred vendors. Please inquire.

DO YOU RECOMMEND VENDORS?

Yes, we can provide you with a list of our preferred vendors, upon a site visit.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NOISE RESTRICTIONS?

We do not have any noise restrictions during evening hours, but please inquire with us if it is anything out of the ordinary.

CAN I BRING MY OWN PHOTOGRAPHER OR VIDEOGRAPHER?

Yes.

OTHER

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR NON PROFITS?

Yes, please inquire.

WHAT IS A PA PERMIT OR TPA PERMIT?

A Public Assembly or Temporary Public Assembly permit, is required for any event space. It insures that the venue has met all legal requirements, as per the Department of Buildings and Fired Department. Venues that do not have this permit are at risk of having an event shut down. Sun West possesses a Public Assembly permit, and our premises is inspected and kept up to space on a regular basis. Safety of our guests is top priority. We recommend that you check with any venues you intend to book, that they have the proper permits.